A MAN left paralysed after being hit by a stolen vehicle is now involved with a new scheme developed by Coventry police to stop prolific car thieves.

Stuart Fisher, aged 29, suffered brain damage in the accident, which happened as he crossed the road on a holiday with friends in Blackpool in August 1995.

His speech, balance and coordination have been permanently affected and he has had to use a wheelchair since the accident, which happened when he was 17.

Now Stuart is taking part in Project Discovery, an eight-week rehabilitation programme designed to show convicted thieves the potential consequences of driving stolen cars.

The pilot project, which started in June, was developed by police at Stoney Stanton Road.

It aims to be a life-changing experience and takes an offender on a series of visits related to reckless driving.

One of these is meeting Stuart and watching a video of his accident - which shows him being thrown into the air and left lying in the road as the car speeds on.

Another is off-road four-wheel driving, to demonstrate the results of excessive speed and reckless driving.

Stuart, from Walsall, said: "I have always liked helping people. Any type of crime is wrong, let alone car crime. I am enjoying being able to try to prevent what happened to me happening to someone else.

"This project is a great idea to try to deter people from stealing cars and committing crimes."

Police aim to run another pilot scheme with a view to running a rolling programme early next year.